KNYSNA NEWS - Following yesterday's municipal by-elections in Knysna’s Wards 9 and 10 that saw the DA regain two seats in Council, candidates who won said they are very well aware of the work ahead, and the unsuccessful candidates graciously accepted their lot while vowing their commitment to continue serving their respective wards.
The DA had lost control of the two wards following the removal of Mark Willemse as Knysna mayor and Ward 9 councillor early this year, and the resignation of former Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers in May.
The seats have now been refilled, however, as Sharon Sabbagh won in Ward 9 with 1 195 of the votes, 76,07% of the total cast, and Peter Bester won in Ward 10 with 1 001 of the votes, 67,86% of the total cast.
Sabbagh said she is thankful for the support shown. "It was a really tough campaign, and it is most humbling to have the voters come out and pledge their support, I am very appreciative," she said, adding that she will be focussing on the ward and the town first and foremost.
"I have no intentions of climbing the political ladder, my attention will solely be the improving of my ward." Sabbagh defeated, among others, Willemse, whom she said she will always "have an open-door policy" for, stating "I am sure I have a lot to learn from him about the ward."
Willemse, who earned 367 (23,2%) of the votes, harbours no ill feelings over coming in second. "I don't have any regrets about running, and I bare no grudges. The DA has won now, they must just ensure they do what they promised to do," he said.
As to working with Sabbagh, he stated, "I am open to working with anyone who is working for the betterment of the ward, and Knysna."
In Ward 10, although Bester is glad he won, he is well aware of what lies in wait. "There is a huge task ahead of me. Both fortunately and unfortunately it will take a team effort to fix what needs to be fixed," he said, acknowledging that there is "lots of stuff" on his priority list. "But, first and foremost, will be the cleaning up of the area, making it safe. We need to get holidaymakers back so that we can help businesses get up and running again."
Bester defeated, among others, Knysna Independent Movement candidate Susan Campbell, who is thankful for the 21.95% support they received in Ward 10. "Thank you to everyone who entrusted us with your vote," she said, further congratulating the DA and Bester on their win in the ward, but also stating their fight is not over yet.
"We will continue to battle corruption in order to restore Knysna to a clean and caring town, where everything works and residents and visitors get the services they deserve."
Freedom Front Plus candidate Jackie du Toit was also in contention in Ward 10, and despite losing out to Bester, will continue to serve the ward. “I will continue to serve the community as a Ward 10 committee member. During next year’s election we will be taking part in multiple wards and I will keep working towards my goal of becoming a ward councillor,” she said, also noting the growth in support from 1.9% in the 2016 municipal elections to the 9.8% on Wednesday.
The EFF also contested both wards, with Japhta Meyer receiving 0,57% of the votes in Ward 9 and Magdalena Brouwers receiving 0,27% in Ward 10. Knysna subregional member Thembinkosi Dasi said the aim of the party contesting the by-elections was to introduce the party to the people.
“Contesting the wards and getting votes was an achievement for the EFF. The party has grown in Knysna as it used to get no vote, but on Wednesday we managed to collect some votes,” he said.
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